In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl’s catastrophic impact on July 1, 2024, the resilient community of Union Island has collaboratively developed a comprehensive development proposal for submission to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government. This groundbreaking document, crafted through extensive community engagement, outlines a strategic framework for systematic reconstruction and holistic development following the near-total destruction of the island’s infrastructure.
The Union Island Development Proposal represents a paradigm shift in disaster recovery planning, incorporating insights from over 100 local residents and diaspora members through an inclusive consultative process. This community-driven approach ensures that proposed interventions directly address local needs and priorities, effectively countering the shortcomings frequently observed in conventional development frameworks.
Beyond immediate recovery efforts, the proposal highlights Union Island’s significant untapped potential in cultural, environmental, and marine assets. The document notes the island’s distinctive heritage, established festivals, and ecotourism sites remain substantially underdeveloped despite their considerable appeal. Particularly noteworthy are the Maroon dances, cultural expressions originating from Union Island that regularly feature at local, regional, and international events as representative of SVG’s traditional culture.
The proposal acknowledges the island’s documented history of producing internationally recognized athletes, artists, and professionals, while emphasizing its strong cross-boundary relationships with southern islands including Grenada and Trinidad, rooted in shared history and tradition.
Despite these assets, the document identifies current tourism as predominantly seasonal and concentrated within yachting and transit segments, resulting in limited and uneven economic benefits for local communities. Additionally, the proposal underscores Union Island’s geographical vulnerability to climate change impacts and historical neglect.
The catastrophic damage from Hurricane Beryl, which destroyed approximately 95% of the island’s housing stock, presents both unprecedented challenges and a critical opportunity to implement a structured ‘build back better’ approach. This reconstruction philosophy would be grounded in Union Island’s unique cultural identity while aligning with national priorities for sustainable development, economic productivity, resilience, and long-term independence.
The comprehensive proposal not only addresses Union Island’s specific needs but also provides a replicable model for other Grenadines islands and communities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, potentially transforming disaster response methodology throughout the region.